Veterans Pension
The Veterans Pension is a needs-based benefit paid to wartime Veterans who meet certain age or non-service connected disability requirements....
What is Veterans Pension?
Veterans Pension is a needs-based benefit paid to eligible wartime Veterans who meet certain age or disability requirements.
Program Requirements
Veterans may be eligible if they:
- were discharged from service under other than dishonorable conditions, AND
- served 90 days or more of active duty with at least 1 day during a period of war time; *or, if entered service after September 7, 1980, at least 24 months or the full period for which called or ordered to active duty (a minimum of 90 days is required) with at least 1 day during a period of wartime, AND
- have countable family income that is below the amount set by Congress (unreimbursed medical expenses may reduce countable income), AND net worth is not excessive, AND
- are age 65 or older, OR have a permanent and total non-service connected disability(ies); are a patient in a nursing home receiving skilled nursing care, OR; are receiving Social Security disability benefits.
Wartime Service Requirements
| Mexican Border Period | World War I | World War II | Korea | Vietnam | Gulf War |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 05/09/1916 to 04/05/1917 Veterans who served in Mexico, on its borders, or adjacent waters | 04/06/1917 to 11/11/1918 If the veteran served with the United States military forces in Russia, the end date is April 1, 1920 | 12/07/1941 to 12/31/1946 | 06/27/1950 to 01/31/1955 | 02/28/1961 to 05/07/1975 for Veterans who served in the Republic of Vietnam during that period; otherwise 08/05/1964 to 05/07/1975 | 08/02/1990 through a date to be prescribed by Presidential proclamation or law |
Income and net worth limits apply. Higher income limits may apply if the Veteran is severely disabled. In addition, unreimbursed medical expenses paid by the Veteran may help to reduce the Veteran's countable income.
For more specific information, refer to the Veterans Pension factsheet.
Application Details
What is the application process for Veterans Pension?
To complete an application, you may visit https://www.vets.gov/pension/application/527EZ/introduction and apply online. You may also use VA Form 21P-527EZ (PDF), "Application for Pension", and mail or fax it to the Pension Management Center (PMC) that serves your state. . Check the PMC Locator to find the PMC having jurisdiction over the claim.